I am submitting this formal complaint regarding a potential recall failure involving a 2005 Mazda Tribute driven by my fiancé, [XXX], who died following a crash on [XXX]. Mazda has opened Case #[XXX] in response to my inquiry, and I am requesting federal oversight of this investigation. Joey’s vehicle may have been affected by the federal safety agency Recall 12V357000, which addresses throttle body malfunction and unintended acceleration. Service records show that a dealership performed a recall service, but the parts used may have been ineffective or incomplete. The crash sequence—rear-ending a stopped vehicle followed by veering into oncoming traffic—matches known symptoms of this defect. I am requesting: •A formal review of Mazda’s handling of Recall 12V357000 •Verification of Joey’s VIN-specific recall compliance •Investigation into the dealership’s repair actions and part quality •Oversight of Mazda’s internal case (#[XXX]) and its findings This issue raises serious concerns about manufacturer accountability and public safety. I am submitting supporting documentation and service records for review. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2004 Mazda Tribute: sudden unintended acceleration
6 of the 157 complaints about the 2004 Mazda Tribute describe sudden unintended acceleration.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- recalls
- 2
Sudden unintended acceleration by model year
What owners say
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would accelerate unintendedly, and the brakes would fail during the unintended acceleration. The ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the code reader was not able to read any codes. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the accelerator and brakes were repaired years prior and would not cover the cost for repair. The failure mileage was 189,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda tribute. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal became stuck for a brief moment upon being depressed. The vehicle also lunged forwardly abnormally and without warning. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number 12v357000 (engine and engine cooling , vehicle speed control). The failure recurred one week after the remedy repair was performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The failure mileage was unavailable.
In august of 2012 the vehicle started randomly accelerating on its own. Sometimes when coming to a stop in a parking lot it would surge aggressively. Sometimes when stopped at an intersection it would suddenly surge. Took vehicle to dealer for recall in august 2012. Part needed to be ordered. Dealer disconnected cruise control cable and said vehicle would be safe until part could be replaced. Part was not installed yet but cable remains disconnected. Today the vehicle starting behaving like described above. But this time it would not decelerate no matter what you did. My wife was able to control the vehicle enough with the brakes to park it. When I went to inspect the vehicle tonight where it was left it idles at over 3000 RPM as soon as you start it and it will not idle down no matter what. I tried pumping accelerator peddle and moving the throttle control at the throttle cable under the hood. The engine cover was completely removed and throttle could not be reduced. I recorded video of the engine behavior and the dashboard readings while this was happening. The dealer is scheduled to tow the vehicle tomorrow to their dealership to install the recall part. Our concern is that if disconnecting the cruise control cable was supposed to eliminate the risk, but it still accelerated on its own at a very high speed, can we really rely on the recall part to fix the problem.
2004 mazda tribute experiencing problems with sudden acceleration. *mr there were two occasions when the consumer applied the brakes but the vehicle did not stop. One occasion the vehicle was pulling up to a building and damaged the front end of the vehicle and on the second occasion, the consumer was traveling on the highway when the vehicle suddenly accelerated without incident. *sc
Pulling into a parking spot and the car surged forward at a high rate. Resulting in $2,206.79 in damage the dealer said that is not possible and said that has never happened before.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Vehicle speed control: cables
- What is wrong
- Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2006, and 2008, Tribute vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.
- Risk
- A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on September 13, 2012. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1‑800‑222‑5500, option #6.
Recall number 12V357000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control: cables
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable may prevent the throttle from returning to the idle position.
- Risk
- An unexpected increase in engine idle speed may increase stopping distance and may result in a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the accelerator cable. The recall began on january 28, 2005. Owners should contact mazda at 1‑800‑222‑5500, option #4.
Recall number 04V583000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2004 Mazda Tribute sudden acceleration
Is sudden unintended acceleration a common problem on the 2004 Mazda Tribute?
6 of 157 owner complaints about the 2004 Mazda Tribute (4%) mention sudden unintended acceleration. The model year with the most reports is 2002.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2004 Mazda Tribute?
There are 2 recalls and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2004 Mazda Tribute
Airbag light 8Stalling 8No deployment 7Knocking 5Transmission failure 5
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